- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 -------------------- FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 2001 COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-13283 -------------------- REX STORES CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 31-1095548 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 2875 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) -------------------- Registrant's telephone number, including area code (937) 276-3931 -------------------- Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange Title of each class on which registered ------------------- ------------------- Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 'ch' No ________ ________ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 'ch' At the close of business on April 16, 2001 the aggregate market value of the registrant's outstanding Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (for purposes of this calculation, 1,209,296 shares beneficially owned by directors and executive officers of the registrant were treated as being held by affiliates of the registrant), was $70,349,822. There were 5,100,372 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of April 16, 2001. Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of REX Stores Corporation's definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 4, 2001 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART I Item 1. Business Overview We are a leading specialty retailer in the consumer electronics/ appliance industry, serving over 200 small to medium-sized towns and communities. Since 1980, when our first four stores were acquired, we have expanded into a national chain operating 262 stores in 37 states under the "REX" trade name. Our stores average approximately 11,000 square feet and offer a broad selection of brand name products within selected major product categories, including big screen and standard-sized televisions, video and audio equipment, camcorders and major household appliances. Our business strategy emphasizes depth of selection within key product categories. Brand name products are offered at everyday low prices combined with frequent special sales and promotions. We concentrate our stores in small and medium sized markets where we believe that by introducing a high volume, low price merchandising concept, we can become a dominant retailer. We support our merchandising strategy with extensive newspaper advertising in each of our local markets and maintain a knowledgeable sales force which focuses on customer service. We believe our low price policy, attention to customer satisfaction and deep product selection provide customers with superior value. Our strategy is to continue to open stores in small to medium sized markets. We will focus on markets with a newspaper circulation which can efficiently and cost-effectively utilize our print advertising materials and where we believe we can become a dominant retailer. REX was incorporated in Delaware in 1984 as a holding company to succeed to the entire ownership of three affiliated corporations, Rex Radio and Television, Inc., Stereo Town, Inc. and Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc., which were formed in 1980, 1981 and 1983, respectively. Our principal offices are located at 2875 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414. Our telephone number is (937) 276-3931. Fiscal Year All references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to REX's fiscal year ended January 31. For example, "fiscal 2000" means the period February 1, 2000 to January 31, 2001. We refer to our fiscal year by reference to the year immediately preceding the January 31 fiscal year end date. Business Strategy Our objective is to be the leading consumer electronics/appliance retailer in each of our markets. The key elements of our business strategy include: Focusing on Small Markets We traditionally have concentrated our stores in markets with populations of 20,000 to 300,000. We are currently focusing most of our new store openings in markets with populations under 85,000, which generally are underserved by our competitors. We believe our low-overhead store format and our ability to operate in free-standing as well as strip shopping centers and regional mall locations makes us well suited to these small markets. 2

Maintaining Guaranteed Lowest Prices We actively monitor prices at competing stores and adjust our prices as necessary to meet or beat the competition. We guarantee the lowest price on our products through a policy of refunding 125% of the difference between our price and a competitor's price on the same item. Offering a Broad Selection of Brand Name Products We offer a broad selection of brand name products within key product categories. We carry most major brands of consumer electronics and appliances. We offer merchandise in each of our product categories at a range of price points and generally maintain sufficient product stock for immediate delivery to customers. Capitalizing on Our Opportunistic Buying We frequently purchase large quantities of products directly from manufacturers on an opportunistic basis at favorable prices. We believe this buying strategy makes us a unique and attractive customer for manufacturers seeking to sell cancelled orders and excess inventory and enables us to develop strong relationships and extended trade credit support with vendors. Striving to be the Low Cost Operator in Our Markets Our current prototype store is approximately 12,000 square feet and provides us with cost and space efficiencies. Our market selection criteria and operating philosophy allow us to minimize both occupancy and labor costs. Generally, all of our store employees, including our store managers, sell products, unload trucks, stock merchandise and process sales, which helps minimize employee count and overhead within each store. Most stores are staffed with between three and six employees. Leveraging Our Strong Operational Controls Our information systems and point-of-sale computer systems, which are installed in every store, allow management to monitor our merchandising programs, sales, employee productivity and in-store inventory levels on a daily basis. Our operational controls provide us with cost efficiencies which reduce overhead while allowing us to maintain high levels of in-stock merchandise. Our three distribution centers, strategically located in Dayton, Ohio, Pensacola, Florida and Cheyenne, Wyoming, reduce inventory requirements at individual stores and facilitate centralized inventory and accounting controls. Growth Strategy We plan to open approximately 10 to 15 new stores in fiscal 2001. Site Selection. We select locations for future stores based on our evaluation of individual site economics and market conditions. When deciding whether to enter a new market or open another store in an existing market, we evaluate a number of criteria, including: o sales volume potential; o competition within the market area, including size, strength and merchandising philosophy of former, existing and potential competitors; o cost of advertising; o newspaper circulation; and o size and growth pattern of the population. 3

In choosing specific sites, we apply standardized site selection criteria taking into account numerous factors, including: o local demographics; o real estate occupancy expense based upon ownership and/or leasing; o traffic patterns; and o overall retail activity. Stores typically are located on high traffic arteries, adjacent to or in major shopping malls, with adequate parking to support high sales volume. We either lease or purchase new store sites depending upon opportunities available to us and relative costs. Of the 30 new stores opened in fiscal 2000, 23 were purchased sites and seven were leased sites. Store Economics. For leased stores, we anticipate per store capital expenditures of $100,000 to $250,000. This amount may increase to the extent we are responsible for the remodeling or renovation of the new leased site. We anticipate expenditures of approximately $950,000 to $1,400,000 when we purchase real estate, which include the cost of the land purchased, building construction and fixtures. The purchase amount varies depending upon the size and location of the store. The purchase amount may be higher if we build or purchase a location larger than our needs and attempt to lease a portion of the store. Historically, we have obtained long-term mortgage financing of approximately 75% of the land and building cost of opening owned stores. Mortgage financing is generally obtained after a store is opened, either on a site by site or multiple store basis. The extent to which we seek mortgage financing for owned stores is dependent upon mortgage rates, terms and availability. The gross inventory requirements for new stores are estimated at $300,000 to $500,000 per store depending upon the season and store size. Store Operations Stores. We locate our stores in the general vicinity of major retail shopping districts and design our stores to generate their own traffic. Currently, 180 stores are located in free-standing buildings, with the balance situated in strip shopping centers and regional malls. Stores located in malls have exterior access and signage rights. Our stores are designed with minimal interior fixtures to provide an open feeling and a view of all product categories upon entering the store. The stores are generally equipped with neon signage above each product category to further direct the customer to particular products. We believe the interior layout of our stores provides an inviting and pleasant shopping environment for the customer. Our existing stores average approximately 11,000 square feet, including approximately 7,700 square feet of selling space and approximately 3,300 square feet of storage. New stores are planned to be approximately 12,000 square feet. Stores are open seven days and six nights per week, except for certain holidays. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in some states, on Sunday. Our operations are divided into regional districts, containing from two to 12 stores whose managers report to a district manager. Our 40 district managers report to one of four regional vice presidents. Each store is staffed with a full-time manager and one or two assistant managers, commissioned sales personnel and, in higher-traffic stores, seasonal support personnel. Store managers are paid on a commission basis and have the 4

opportunity to earn bonuses based upon their store's sales and gross margins. Sales personnel work on a commission basis. We evaluate the performance of our stores on a continuous basis and, based on an assessment of overall profitability, future cash flows and other factors we deem relevant, will close any store which is not adequately contributing to our profitability. We closed 6, 4 and 6 stores during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Subsequent to January 31, 2001, we closed one additional store. In fiscal 2000, we opened 30 new stores: three stores each in Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee, two stores each in Montana, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania and one store each in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Texas, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia. Store Locations. The following table shows the states in which we operated stores and the number of stores in each state as of January 31, 2001: State Number of Stores State Number of Stores - ----- ---------------- ----- ---------------- Alabama 14 Nebraska 2 Arkansas 1 New Mexico 1 Colorado 3 New York 23 Florida 26 North Carolina 9 Georgia 8 North Dakota 3 Idaho 5 Ohio 23 Illinois 11 Oklahoma 4 Indiana 3 Pennsylvania 19 Iowa 10 South Carolina 10 Kansas 2 South Dakota 3 Kentucky 3 Tennessee 9 Louisiana 8 Texas 11 Maryland 2 Vermont 1 Massachusetts 2 Virginia 2 Michigan 7 Washington 3 Minnesota 1 West Virginia 6 Mississippi 13 Wisconsin 4 Missouri 3 Wyoming 2 Montana 5 Personnel. We train our employees to explain and demonstrate to customers the use and operation of our merchandise and to develop good sales practices. Our in-house training program for new employees combines on-the-job training with use of a detailed company-developed manual entitled "The REX Way." Sales personnel attend in-house training sessions conducted by experienced salespeople or manufacturers' representatives and receive sales, product and other information in meetings with managers. Management and sales personnel are compensated on a commission basis. We also have a manager-in-training program that consists of on-the-job training of the assistant manager at the store. Our policy is to staff store management positions with personnel promoted from within REX and to staff new store management positions with existing managers or assistant managers. 5

Services. Virtually all of the products we sell carry manufacturers' warranties. Except for our least expensive items, we offer extended service contracts to customers, usually for an additional charge, which typically provide one to five years of extended warranty coverage. We offer maintenance and repair services for most of the products we sell. These services are generally subcontracted to independent repair firms. Our return policy provides that any merchandise may be returned for exchange or refund within seven days of purchase if accompanied by original packaging material and verification of sale. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover. We estimate that, during fiscal 2000, approximately 36.7% of our total sales were made on these credit cards, and approximately 8.3% were made on installment credit contracts arranged through banks or independent finance companies which bear the credit risk of these contracts. We work with local consumer finance companies in each of our markets in implementing these credit arrangements and are able to offer competitive credit packages, generally including interest-free financing options. Merchandising Products. We offer a broad selection of brand name consumer electronics and home appliance products at a range of price points. We emphasize depth of product selection within selected key product categories. We sell approximately 1,000 products produced by approximately 50 manufacturers. Our product categories include: Televisions Video Audio Appliances Other - ----------- ----- ----- ---------- ----- TVs VCRs Stereo Systems Air Conditioners Extended Service Big Screen Camcorders Receivers Microwave Ovens Contracts TVs Digital Satellite Compact Washers Ready to Assemble TV/VCR Systems Disc Players Dryers Furniture Combos DVD Players Tape Decks Ranges Recordable Tapes Speakers Dishwashers Telephones Car Stereos Refrigerators Audio/Video Portable Radios Freezers Accessories Turntables Vacuum Cleaners Radar Detectors Dehumidifiers CB Radios Garbage Disposals Cellular Phones Among the leading brands sold by us during fiscal 2000, in alphabetical order, were General Electric, Hitachi, Hotpoint, JVC, Panasonic, Phillips Magnavox, Pioneer, RCA, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba and Whirlpool. All our stores carry a broad range of televisions, video and audio products, microwave ovens and air conditioners. In addition, 257 stores carry major appliances. We began selling cellular phones on a trial basis in 41 of our stores during fiscal 1999. We felt the results were not encouraging and subsequent to year end decided to discontinue selling cellular phones. We do not carry computers, computer software or pre-recorded music. 6

The following table shows the approximate percent of net sales for each major product group for the last three fiscal years. Fiscal Year ------------------------------------ Product Category 2000 1999 1998 ---------------- ---- ---- ---- Televisions ............................................. 45% 38% 36% Video ................................................... 13 16 17 Audio ................................................... 16 17 18 Appliances .............................................. 18 22 21 Other ................................................... 8 7 8 --- --- --- 100% 100% 100% === === === Pricing. Our policy is to offer our products at guaranteed lowest prices combined with frequent special sales and promotions. Our retail prices are established by our merchandising department, but each district manager is responsible for monitoring the prices offered by competitors and has authority to adjust prices to meet local market conditions. Our commitment to offer the lowest prices is supported by our guarantee to refund 125% of the difference in price if, within 30 days of purchase, a customer can locate the same item offered by a local competitor at a lower price. Advertising. We use a "price and item" approach in our advertising, stressing the offering of nationally recognized brands at significant savings. The emphasis of our advertising is our Guaranteed Lowest Price. Our guarantee states: "Our prices are guaranteed in writing. If you find any other local store stocking and offering to sell for less the identical item in a factory sealed box within 30 days after your REX purchase, we'll refund the difference plus an additional 25% of the difference." Advertisements are concentrated principally in newspapers and preprinted newspaper inserts, which are produced for us by an outside advertising agency. We supplement our newspaper advertising with television and radio advertisements in certain markets. Advertisements are also complemented by in-store signage highlighting special values, including "Value Every Day," "Best Value," and "Top of the Line." Our advertising strategy includes preferred customer private mailers, special events such as "Midnight Madness Sales" and coupon sales to provide shopping excitement and generate traffic. Purchasing. Our merchandise purchasing and opportunistic buying are performed predominantly by three members of senior management. Each individual has responsibility for a specific product category, and two share appliance buying responsibility. By purchasing merchandise in large volume, we are able to obtain quality products at competitive prices and advertising subsidies from vendors to promote the sale of their products. For fiscal 2000, nine vendors accounted for approximately 72% of our purchases. We typically do not maintain long-term purchase contracts with vendors and operate principally on an order-by-order basis. e-Commerce In April 1999, we began selling selected televisions, audio and video products and small appliances on our Web site at www.rexstores.com. We are an Amazon.com Auctions Charter Merchant and also offer selected products on the eBay and Yahoo! auction Web sites. In January 2000 we entered into a one year agreement with Zengine, Inc. to develop our Web site and recently signed a two year extension of the agreement. 7

Distribution Our stores are supplied by three regional distribution centers. The distribution centers consist of: o a 315,000 square foot leased facility in Dayton, Ohio; o a 180,000 square foot owned facility in Pensacola, Florida, of which we lease 90,000 square feet to an outside company; and o a 145,000 square foot owned facility in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We also lease a 67,000 square foot auxiliary warehouse in Pensacola, Florida. In addition, we lease overflow warehouse space as needed to accommodate seasonal inventory requirements and opportunistic purchases. Inventory Management The regional distribution centers reduce inventory requirements at individual stores, while preserving the benefits of volume purchasing and facilitating centralized inventory and accounting controls. Virtually all of our merchandise is distributed through our distribution centers, with the exception of major appliances which are generally shipped directly by the vendor to the retail location. All deliveries to stores are made by independent contract carriers. Management Information Systems We have developed a computerized management information system which operates an internally developed software package. Our computer system provides management with the information necessary to manage inventory by stock keeping unit (SKU), monitor sales and store activity on a daily basis, capture marketing and customer information, track productivity by salesperson and control our accounting operations. Our mainframe computer is an IBM A/S 400 model 720. The host computer is integrated with our point-of-sale system which serves as the collection mechanism for all sales activity. The combined system provides for next-day review of inventory levels, sales by store and by SKU and commissions earned, assists in cash management and enables management to track merchandise from receipt at the distribution center until time of sale. Competition Our business is characterized by substantial competition. Our competitors include national and regional large format merchandisers and superstores such as Best Buy Co., Inc. and Circuit City Stores, Inc., other specialty electronics retailers including RadioShack Corporation, department and discount stores such as Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., furniture stores, warehouse clubs, home improvement retailers and Internet and store-based retailers who sell competitive products online. We also compete with small chains and specialty single-store operators in some markets, as well as Sears' dealer-operated units. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than us, which may increase their ability to purchase inventory at a lower cost, better withstand economic downturns or engage in aggressive price competition. Competition within the consumer electronics/appliance retailing industry is based upon price, breadth of product selection, product quality and customer service. We expect competition within the industry to increase. 8

Facilities We own 149 of our stores. The remaining 113 stores operate on leased premises, with the unexpired terms of the leases ranging from less than one year to 24 years, inclusive of options to renew. For fiscal 2000, the total net rent expense for our leased facilities was approximately $7,792,000. To date, we have not experienced difficulty in securing leases or purchasing sites for suitable store locations. We continue to remodel and upgrade existing stores as appropriate. In addition, to minimize construction costs, we have developed prototype formats for new store construction. Employees At January 31, 2001, we had 161 hourly and salaried employees and 982 commission-based sales employees. We also employ additional personnel during peak selling seasons. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good. Service Marks We have registered our rights in our service mark "REX" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We are not aware of any adverse claims concerning our service mark. Item 2. Properties The information required by this Item 2 is set forth in Item 1 of this report under "Store Operations--Stores," "Distribution" and "Facilities" and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 3. Legal Proceedings We are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. We believe that these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operations. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None. 9

Executive Officers of the Company Set forth below is certain information about each of our executive officers. Name Age Position - ---- --- -------- Stuart Rose........................... 46 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer* Lawrence Tomchin...................... 73 President and Chief Operating Officer* Douglas Bruggeman..................... 40 Vice President-Finance and Treasurer Edward Kress.......................... 51 Secretary* - ---------------- *Also serves as a director. Stuart Rose has been our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since our incorporation in 1984 as a holding company to succeed to the ownership of Rex Radio and Television, Inc., Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc. and Stereo Town, Inc. Prior to 1984, Mr. Rose was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Rex Radio and Television, Inc., which he founded in 1980 to acquire the stock of a corporation which operated four retail stores. Lawrence Tomchin has been our President and Chief Operating Officer since 1990. From 1984 to 1990, he was our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Tomchin has been a director since 1984. Mr. Tomchin was Vice President and General Manager of the corporation which was acquired by Rex Radio and Television, Inc. in 1980 and served as Executive Vice President of Rex Radio and Television, Inc. after the acquisition. Douglas Bruggeman has been our Vice President - Finance and Treasurer since 1989. From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Bruggeman was our Manager of Corporate Accounting. Mr. Bruggeman was employed with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young prior to joining us in 1986. Edward Kress has been our Secretary since 1984 and a director since 1985. Mr. Kress has been a partner of the law firm of Chernesky, Heyman & Kress P.L.L., our legal counsel, since 1988. From 1985 to 1988, Mr. Kress was a member of the law firm of Smith & Schnacke. Mr. Kress has practiced law in Dayton, Ohio since 1974. 10

PART II - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION Common Share Information and Quarterly Share Prices Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RSC. Fiscal Quarter Ended High Low ------------------------------- ---------- ---------- April 30, 1999 $16.94 $11.13 July 31, 1999 39.06 15.75 October 31, 1999 42.38 24.88 January 31, 2000 39.81 13.31 April 30, 2000 $27.75 $15.38 July 31, 2000 26.75 17.13 October 31, 2000 23.25 16.63 January 31, 2001 20.38 14.88 As of April 12, 2001, there were 193 holders of record of our common stock, including shares held in nominee or street name by brokers. Dividend Policy Our revolving credit agreement places restrictions on the payment of dividends. We did not pay dividends in the current or prior years. 11

Item 6. Selected Financial Data Five Year Financial Summary January 31, -------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net sales $473,020 $464,300 $416,673 $411,005 $427,378 Net income $ 18,736 $ 18,293 $ 11,195 $ 7,412 $ 7,362 Basic net income per share $ 2.98 $ 2.28 $ 1.51 $ 0.94 $ 0.82 Diluted net income per share $ 2.72 $ 2.06 $ 1.43 $ 0.91 $ 0.80 Total assets $310,885 $304,036 $268,282 $260,530 $248,034 Long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 81,262 $ 46,200 $ 55,478 $ 52,661 $ 51,102 12

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarters Ended ------------------------------------------------------ (In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts) April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31, 2000 2000 2000 2001 --------- -------- ----------- ----------- Net sales $107,183 $101,609 $105,144 $159,084 Cost of merchandise sold 78,449 72,822 76,611 117,145 Net income 3,246 3,980 2,861 8,649 Basic net income per share (a) $ 0.46 $ 0.61 $ 0.48 $ 1.55 Diluted net income per share (a) $ 0.42 $ 0.55 $ 0.44 $ 1.44 Quarters Ended ------------------------------------------------------ (In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts) April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31, 1999 1999 1999 2000 --------- -------- ----------- ----------- Net sales $99,056 $107,739 $102,432 $155,073 Cost of merchandise sold 72,613 76,870 74,651 113,284 Net income 2,087 4,098 2,464 9,644 Basic net income per share (b) $ 0.28 $ 0.54 $ 0.30 $ 1.07 Diluted net income per share (b) $ 0.27 $ 0.48 $ 0.27 $ 0.97 (a) The total of the quarterly net income per share amounts is more than the annual net income per share amounts due to 46% of our net income occurring in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000. In addition, the fourth quarter per share amounts reflect a disproportionate impact from the 2,653,000 shares repurchased, rather than the annual per share amounts based upon the average time held in treasury. (b) The total of the quarterly net income per share amounts is less than the annual net income per share amounts due to 53% of the net income occurring in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, whose per share amounts reflect, for the entire quarter, our 1.5 million share offering in October 1999, while the annual per share amounts only reflect the increased outstanding shares for the four months since the issuance of the shares in October 1999. 13

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Overview We are a leading specialty retailer in the consumer electronics/appliance industry. Since acquiring our first four stores in 1980, we have expanded into a national chain operating 262 stores in 37 states under the "REX" trade name. By offering a broad selection of brand name products at guaranteed lowest prices, we believe we have become a leading consumer electronics/appliance retailer in our markets. Our comparable store sales declined 5.6% in fiscal 2000 after an increase of 8.2% in fiscal 1999. Comparable store sales had decreased 0.1% in fiscal 1998. The decline in comparable store sales for fiscal 2000 was largely caused by slower appliance sales due to an unseasonably cool summer and an increasingly competitive environment. The increase in comparable store sales for fiscal 1999 was primarily driven by large screen television sales throughout the year and strong air conditioner sales in the second quarter of fiscal 1999 due to warm weather conditions. We consider a store to be comparable after it has been open six full fiscal quarters. Comparable store sales comparisons do not include sales of extended service contracts. Extended Service Contracts. Our extended service contract revenues, net of sales commissions, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contracts after the expiration of applicable manufacturers' warranty periods. Terms of coverage, including the manufacturers' warranty periods, are usually for periods of 12 to 60 months. Extended service contract revenues represented 3.3%, 3.3% and 3.7% of net sales for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Service contract costs are charged to operations as incurred. Gross profit realized from extended service contract revenues was $10.9 million, $10.9 million and $10.3 million in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Investment in Limited Partnerships. In fiscal 1998, we invested $3.2 million in two limited partnerships which own four facilities producing synthetic fuel from coal fines. The partnerships earn federal income tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code based on the tonnage and content of solid synthetic fuel sold to unrelated parties. Our share of the credits generated may be used to reduce our federal income tax liability down to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) rate. Under current law, credits under Section 29 are available for qualified fuels sold before January 1, 2008. The tax credits begin to phase out if the price of a barrel of oil exceeds certain levels adjusted annually for inflation. The 2000 phase-out started at $48.07 per barrel. We initially held a 30% interest in one partnership and an 18.75% interest in the other. Effective February 1, 1999, we sold a portion of our interest in one partnership, reducing our ownership percentage from 30% to 17%. We will receive cash payments from the sale on a quarterly basis through 2007. These payments are contingent upon and equal to 75% of the federal income tax credits attributable to the 13% interest sold and are subject to certain annual limitations. The maximum amount of cash that can be received varies by year. The maximum that could be received for calendar 2000 was approximately $6.8 million, which we did reach. The maximum that can be received for calendar 2001 is approximately $7.1 million. Effective July 31, 2000, we sold an additional portion of our interest in the one partnership, reducing our ownership percentage from 17% to 8%. We will receive cash payments from the sale on a quarterly basis through 2007. These payments are contingent upon and equal to the greater of 82.5% of the federal income tax credits attributable to the 9% interest sold subject to annual limitations or 74.25% of the federal income tax credits amounts attributable to the interest sold with no annual limitations. The amount earned and received for calendar 2000 was approximately $4.2 million, including a down payment of $1.6 million. 14

We are a limited partner in each partnership. We account for our ownership interest in the partnerships under the equity method. The limited partnerships have received favorable private letter rulings from the IRS that the synthetic fuel produced by their facilities and sold to unrelated parties qualify for the tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code. Results of Operations The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relative percentages that certain income and expense items bear to net sales: Fiscal Year Ended January 31, ----------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 ------ ------ ----- Net sales............................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of merchandise sold.............. 72.9 72.7 72.7 ------ ------ ------ Gross profit...................... 27.1 27.3 27.3 Selling, general and administrative expenses.......................... 22.5 21.6 22.4 ------ ------ ------ Income from operations............ 4.6 5.7 4.9 Investment income..................... 0.2 0.1 0.1 Interest expense...................... (1.7) (1.1) (1.6) Gain on sale of real estate........... - 0.2 0.6 Income (equity in losses) from limited partnerships.................. 2.2 0.6 (0.3) ------ ------ ------ Income before provision for income taxes and extraordinary item.............. 5.3 5.5 3.7 Provision for income taxes............ 1.3 1.4 1.0 ------ ------ ------ Income before extraordinary item............................ 4.0 4.1 2.7 Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt............ - 0.2 - ------ ------ ------ Net Income............................ 4.0% 3.9% 2.7% ====== ====== ====== Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 Net sales. Net sales in fiscal 2000 were $473.0 million, a 1.9% increase from $464.3 million for fiscal 1999. This increase was primarily due to the addition of 30 new stores in fiscal 2000 and the first full year of sales for 14 stores opened in fiscal 1999. During fiscal 2000, we opened 30 stores and closed six stores, while during fiscal 1999 we opened 14 stores and closed four. We had 262 and 238 stores open at January 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Sales were negatively impacted by a decline of 5.6% in comparable store sales for fiscal 2000. The decline in comparable store sales was primarily caused by the appliance category, which negatively impacted comparable store sales by 5.3%. The decline in appliance sales was caused by unseasonably cool weather during the summer months in the northeastern and midwestern parts of the United States which depressed air conditioner sales and an increasingly competitive environment for appliances. Other categories which negatively impacted comparable store sales were video by 2.6%, smaller screen televisions (27 inch and smaller) by 2.3% and audio by 1.7%. These categories have been impacted by declining average selling prices and 15

increased competition. Our strongest product category was larger screen televisions (30 inch and larger), which positively impacted comparable store sales by 6.4%. Gross Profit. Gross profit was $128.0 million in fiscal 2000, or 27.1% of net sales, versus $126.9 million for fiscal 1999, or 27.3% of net sales. The decline in gross profit as a percentage of sales was primarily caused by the increasingly competitive retail and promotional environment. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2000 were $106.3 million, or 22.5% of net sales, a 5.6% increase from $100.6 million, or 21.6% of net sales, in fiscal 1999. The increase in expense was primarily caused by an increase of $3.4 million in advertising expenditures associated with the 30 new stores opened and increased usage of radio and television advertising. The remaining increase was primarily caused by increased occupancy and utility costs of approximately $1.5 million associated with the 30 new stores and higher utility costs. Income from Operations. Income from operations was $21.7 million, or 4.6% of net sales, for fiscal 2000, a 17.3% decline from $26.3 million, or 5.7% of net sales for fiscal 1999. The decrease was primarily caused by the decline in comparable store sales, the increased advertising expenditures in new and existing markets and higher occupancy costs associated with the additional number of stores. Investment Income. Investment income increased to $933,000 in fiscal 2000 from $420,000 in fiscal 1999. In fiscal 2000 we recorded a $640,000 gain on the sale of stock warrants held in an outside company. Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $8.1 million for fiscal 2000 from $5.1 million for fiscal 1999. The increase in interest expense was primarily caused by increased borrowings on the line of credit. Average outstanding borrowings on the line of credit were approximately $40.0 million in fiscal 2000 versus approximately $3.2 million in fiscal 1999. Income (Equity in Losses) from Limited Partnerships. Results for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2001 also reflect the impact of our investment in two synthetic fuel limited partnerships. We reported income from the limited partnerships of approximately $10.4 million for fiscal 2000. This consisted of approximately $6.5 million from the 1999 sale of a portion of our interest in one partnership and approximately $4.2 million from the 2000 sale of an additional portion of the interest, partially offset by a charge of $300,000 to reflect our equity share of the partnerships' losses. Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 25% in fiscal 2000 and 1999, after reflecting our share of federal tax credits earned by the limited partnerships. Extraordinary Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt. In fiscal 1999, we recorded an extraordinary loss from the early extinguishment of debt of $717,000, net of the income tax effect of $239,000, as a result of paying off approximately $18.9 million of mortgage debt. Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, net income was $18.7 million in fiscal 2000 versus $18.3 million, after extraordinary item, in fiscal 1999. Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 2000 and 1999 Net Sales. Net sales in fiscal 1999 were $464.3 million, an 11.4% increase from the $416.7 million achieved in fiscal 1998. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in comparable store sales of 8.2% for the fiscal year. Sales also increased due to the opening of 14 new stores in fiscal 1999 and the first full year of sales from 12 stores opened in fiscal 1998. During fiscal 1999, we opened 14 stores and closed four, while during fiscal 1998 we opened 12 stores and closed six. We had 238 and 228 stores open at January 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. 16

The largest contributor to the increased comparable store sales were larger screen television sales which accounted for 6.5% of the increase. Comparable store sales were also positively impacted by approximately 2.2% from strong air conditioner sales during the second quarter and approximately 1.3% and 1.1% from DVD players and appliances other than air conditioners, respectively. DVD players were a relatively new product in fiscal 1999 and we believe that sales of DVD players serve to replace certain VCR sales. The increase in sales of appliances was a result of expanded product offerings. Comparable store sales were negatively impacted by approximately 1.5% and 1.4% from smaller screen televisions and VCRs, respectively. The decline in smaller screen televisions was primarily due to increased demand for larger screen televisions and a reduction in average selling prices. The reduction in VCR sales was also due to a decline in average selling prices and a shift in demand toward DVD players. Gross Profit. Gross profit was $126.9 million in fiscal 1999 versus $113.8 million for fiscal 1998. The gross profit margin was 27.3% for each year. The gross profit margin was positively impacted by the improved sales of larger screen televisions and air conditioners which have higher than average gross profit margins. These improvements were offset by the recognition of a lower percentage of extended service contract revenues relative to merchandise sales. Sales of extended service contracts generally have a higher gross profit margin in comparison to other product categories. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 1999 were $100.6 million, or 21.6% of net sales, a 7.5% increase from $93.6 million, or 22.4% of net sales, in fiscal 1998. The increase in expenses was primarily the result of increased incentive commissions and other selling costs associated with the increased sales levels. The reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales was primarily the result of the leveraging of store operating costs, such as advertising and occupancy expenses, as a result of the increase in comparable stores sales of 8.2%. Income from Operations. Income from operations was $26.3 million, or 5.7% of net sales, for fiscal 1999, a 30.2% increase from $20.2 million, or 4.9% of net sales, in fiscal 1998. The increase was primarily due to increased comparable store sales and the leveraging of store operating costs, such as advertising and occupancy expenses. Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $5.1 million in fiscal 1999 from $6.4 million in fiscal 1998. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower borrowings under the line of credit. Average outstanding borrowings under the line of credit were approximately $3.2 million in fiscal 1999 versus approximately $15.8 million in fiscal 1998. We also had a net reduction in mortgage debt of $9.1 million, due to paying off certain higher rate mortgage debt with proceeds from our stock offering in October 1999. Gain on Sale of Real Estate. During fiscal 1999, we sold a shopping center in which we had previously operated a retail store. We recorded a gain of approximately $787,000 from the sale of this real estate. Income (Equity in Losses) from Limited Partnerships. Results for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2000 also reflect the impact of our investment in two synthetic fuel limited partnerships. We reported income from the limited partnerships of approximately $3.0 million for fiscal 1999, which consisted of $5.1 million generated by the sale of a portion of the interest in one of the partnerships, partially offset by a charge of $2.1 million to reflect our equity share of the partnerships' losses. Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was reduced to 25.0% in fiscal 1999 from 26.3% in fiscal 1998 as a result of our share of federal tax credits earned by the limited partnerships. Extraordinary Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt. We recorded an extraordinary loss from the early extinguishment of debt of $717,000, net of the income tax effect of $239,000, as a result of paying off approximately $18.9 million of mortgage debt with a portion of the proceeds from our stock offering in October 1999. 17

Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, net income was $18.3 million and $11.2 million for fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively. Liquidity and Capital Resources Our primary sources of financing have been cash flow provided by operations, supplemented by mortgages on owned properties. We also use borrowings under our revolving line of credit to fund our seasonal working capital needs. In addition, during fiscal 1999 we received approximately $44.7 million after expenses from the sale of 1,500,000 shares of common stock. Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.1 million and $5.2 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. For fiscal 2000, operating cash flow was provided by net income of $18.7 million adjusted for the impact of a $10.7 million gain on sale of partnership interest and non-cash items of $3.4 million, which consist of deferred income, the deferred income tax provision and depreciation and amortization. Cash was used by an increase in inventory of $4.9 million, primarily due to the net increase of 24 additional stores. Other uses of cash were a decrease in other liabilities of $2.7 million, an increase in other assets of $2.1 million and an increase in receivables of $2.1 million. The change in other assets and liabilities was primarily caused by the timing of income tax payments, a decrease in accrued wages and related taxes and an increase in prepaid bank fees related to mortgage debt acquired in fiscal 2000. The increase in receivables was primarily due to an increase in the vendor receivable on digital satellite systems. Cash was provided by an increase in accounts payable of $1.4 million due to the timing of inventory purchases and payments to vendors. For fiscal 1999, operating cash flow was provided by net income of $18.3 million adjusted for the net impact of a $5.1 million gain on sale of partnership interest and non-cash items of $3.5 million, which consist of deferred income, the gain on the sale of real estate, depreciation and amortization, the deferred income tax provision and our equity interest in the losses of the synthetic fuel limited partnerships. Cash of $3.0 million was also provided by an increase in other liabilities primarily resulting from the timing of tax payments and increased accrued wages resulting from higher sales levels. The primary use of cash was an increase in inventory of $7.3 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $6.4 million primarily due to the timing of purchases and terms of payments with the vendors. Investing Activities. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2000 totaled $27.7 million. Expenditures included approximately $22.5 million to open 30 new stores, approximately $3.8 million for four stores to open in fiscal 2001 and approximately $1.4 million for equipment and improvements to existing stores. We plan to open 10 to 15 new stores in fiscal 2001, with anticipated capital expenditures of approximately $3.0 to $6.0 million. We are also considering the building of a new distribution center with anticipated expenditures of approximately $5.0 to $7.0 million. We plan to fund the new store openings and distribution center with cash generated from operations and from additional mortgage debt. Capital expenditures in fiscal 1999 totaled $20.2 million. Expenditures included approximately $15.3 million to open 14 stores, approximately $1.2 million to purchase two previously leased stores and approximately $2.6 million for stores opened in fiscal 2000. We received proceeds of $10.7 million and $5.1 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively, from installment sales of a portion of our ownership interest in a limited partnership. Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $10.0 million for fiscal 2000. During fiscal 2000, we purchased 2,652,900 shares of our common stock for $48.5 million. During fiscal 1999, we purchased 1,351,325 shares of our common stock for $20.1 million. At January 31, 2001 we had authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase an additional 705,000 shares of our common stock. These shares will be held in treasury for possible future use. At January 31, 2001, we had approximately $86.2 million of mortgage debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 7.99%, with maturities from January 1, 2002 to October 1, 2019. We have balloon payments due totaling approximately $1.6 million over the next two fiscal years, which we plan to either refinance with long-term mortgage debt or satisfy through borrowings on our revolving credit agreement. During fiscal 2000 we obtained mortgage financing of approximately $41.5 million to finance 51 retail store locations. 18

We also paid off $4.8 million of long-term mortgage debt from scheduled repayments and extinguishment of debt upon the sale of two retail locations. We received proceeds of approximately $777,000 and $4.0 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively, from the exercise of stock options by employees and directors. The exercise of non-qualified stock options resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $355,000 and $2.7 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively, which was reflected as an increase in additional paid-in capital. In October 1999, we completed the sale of 1,500,000 shares of common stock with net proceeds to the Company of approximately $44.7 million after expenses. During fiscal 1999 we renewed our revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement is with six banks through July 31, 2005 with interest at prime or LIBOR plus 1.875% and commitment fees of 1/4% payable on the unused portion. Amounts available for borrowing are equal to the lesser of (1) $100 million for the months of January through June and $130 million for the months of July through December or (2) the sum of specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventories, as defined. Amounts available for borrowing are reduced by any letter of credit commitments outstanding. Borrowings on the revolving credit agreement are secured by certain fixed assets, accounts receivable, inventories and the capital stock of our subsidiaries. At January 31, 2001, we had borrowings outstanding of $742,000 on the revolving credit agreement. We had no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit agreement at January 31, 2000. A total of approximately $91.2 million was available at January 31, 2001. Borrowing levels vary during the course of a year based upon our seasonal working capital needs. The maximum direct borrowings outstanding during fiscal 2000 were approximately $83.9 million, which existed immediately prior to the Christmas selling season due to the build-up of seasonal inventory requirements. The weighted average interest rate was 8.9% (9.4% including commitment fees) for fiscal 2000. The revolving credit agreement contains restrictive covenants which require us to maintain specified levels of consolidated tangible net worth and limit capital expenditures and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. The revolving credit agreement also places restrictions on common stock repurchases and the payment of dividends. Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations Our business is seasonal. As is the case with many other retailers, our net sales and net income are greatest in our fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the Christmas selling season. The fourth fiscal quarter accounted for 33.6% and 33.4% of net sales and 46.1% and 47.9% of income from operations in fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. Year to year comparisons of quarterly results of operations and comparable store sales can be affected by a variety of factors, including the duration of the holiday selling season, weather conditions and the timing of new store openings. Impact of Inflation The impact of inflation has not been material to our results of operations for the past three fiscal years. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which requires companies to recognize all derivative contracts at their fair values, as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designed as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. In June 1999, the FASB issued Statement No. 137, which amended SFAS No. 133 such that the effective date of adoption will be for fiscal quarters beginning after June 15, 2000. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements because we do not currently hold any derivative instruments. 19

Forward-Looking Statements This Form 10-K contains or may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believes", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "anticipates" and similar expressions as they relate to REX or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Exhibit 99 to this report. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk As of January 31, 2001, we had financial instruments which were sensitive to changes in interest rates. These financial instruments consist of a revolving credit agreement and various mortgage notes payable secured by certain land, buildings and leasehold improvements. The revolving credit agreement is with six banks through July 31, 2005, with interest at prime or LIBOR plus 1.875% and commitment fees of 1/4% payable on the unused portion. Amounts available for borrowing are equal to the lesser of (1) $100 million for the months of January through June and $130 million for the months of July through December or (2) the sum of specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventories, as defined. Amounts available for borrowing are reduced by any letter of credit commitments outstanding. Borrowings on the revolving credit agreement are secured by certain fixed assets, accounts receivable, inventories and the capital stock of our subsidiaries. At January 31, 2001, a total of approximately $91.2 million was available for borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. We had outstanding borrowings of $742,000 under the revolving credit agreement at January 31, 2001. Substantially all of the mortgage notes payable consist of fixed rate debt. The interest rates range from 6.89% to 9.25%. Principal and interest are payable monthly over terms which generally range from 10 to 15 years. Substantially all of the notes payable require balloon payments at the end of the scheduled term. The fair value of our long-term mortgage debt at January 31, 2001 was approximately $83.1 million. The fair value was estimated based on rates available to us for debt with similar terms and maturities. Maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending January 31, Amount -------------------------- --------- 2002 $ 4,923 2003 5,312 2004 6,454 2005 9,622 2006 10,060 Thereafter 49,814 ------- $86,185 ======= 20

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 --------- --------- (In Thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1) $ 687 $ 25,609 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $410 and $483 in 2001 and 2000, respectively (Note 5) 4,707 2,569 Merchandise inventory (Notes 1 and 5) 144,150 139,267 Prepaid expenses and other 4,173 2,097 Future income tax benefits 9,837 9,837 --------- --------- Total current assets 163,554 179,379 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Notes 1, 5 and 6) 135,643 113,802 FUTURE INCOME TAX BENEFITS 9,523 8,835 RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS (Note 1) 2,165 2,020 --------- --------- Total assets $310,885 $304,036 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable (Note 5) $ 742 $ -- Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6) 4,923 3,303 Accounts payable, trade 47,680 46,252 Accrued income taxes -- 1,572 Current portion of deferred income and deferred gain on sale and leaseback (Notes 1 and 8) 11,355 11,219 Accrued payroll 6,369 6,947 Other current liabilities 8,737 9,330 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 79,806 78,623 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Long-term mortgage debt (Note 6) 81,262 46,200 Deferred income (Note 1) 16,494 16,423 Deferred gain on sale and leaseback (Note 8) 2,129 2,953 --------- --------- Total long-term liabilities 99,885 65,576 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 8 and 10) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 4 and 7): Common stock, 45,000 shares authorized, 11,556 and 11,495 shares issued, at par 116 115 Paid-in capital 106,305 105,303 Retained earnings 112,399 93,663 Treasury stock, 6,068 and 3,426 shares (87,626) (39,244) --------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 131,194 159,837 --------- --------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $310,885 $304,036 ========= ========= The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. 21

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income For the Years Ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 --------- --------- -------- (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) NET SALES $473,020 $464,300 $416,673 --------- --------- --------- COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of merchandise sold 345,026 337,418 302,894 Selling, general and administrative expenses 106,262 100,589 93,578 --------- --------- --------- Total costs and expenses 451,288 438,007 396,472 --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 21,732 26,293 20,201 INVESTMENT INCOME 933 420 347 INTEREST EXPENSE (8,121) (5,136) (6,448) GAIN ON SALE OF REAL ESTATE -- 787 2,410 INCOME (EQUITY IN LOSSES) OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS 10,437 2,996 (1,312) --------- --------- --------- INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 24,981 25,360 15,198 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 6,245 6,350 4,003 --------- --------- --------- INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 18,736 19,010 11,195 EXTRAORDINARY LOSS FROM EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT, NET OF TAX -- (717) -- --------- --------- --------- NET INCOME $ 18,736 $ 18,293 $ 11,195 ========= ========= ========= WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC 6,285 8,022 7,427 ========= ========= ========= BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 2.98 2.37 1.51 EXTRAORDINARY ITEM -- (0.09) -- --------- --------- --------- BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 2.98 $ 2.28 $ 1.51 ========= ========= ========= WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED 6,884 8,897 7,833 ========= ========= ========= DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 2.72 $ 2.14 $ 1.43 EXTRAORDINARY ITEM -- (0.08) -- --------- --------- --------- DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 2.72 $ 2.06 $ 1.43 ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. 22

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 -------- -------- --------- (In Thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 18,736 $ 18,293 $ 11,195 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities- Depreciation and amortization, net 3,917 3,469 3,194 Gain on sale of partnership interest (10,700) (5,100) -- Gain on sale of real estate -- (787) (2,410) Equity in losses of limited partnerships -- 2,100 1,312 Deferred income 207 (534) (993) Deferred income tax provision (688) (770) (137) Changes in assets and liabilities-- Accounts receivable (2,138) (272) 478 Merchandise inventory (4,883) (7,265) (5,504) Other current assets (2,083) (485) 131 Accounts payable, trade 1,428 (6,422) 2,842 Other current liabilities (2,743) 2,996 109 -------- -------- -------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 1,053 5,223 10,217 -------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures (27,696) (20,213) (12,736) Proceeds from sale of partnership interest 10,700 5,100 -- Proceeds from sale of real estate and capital disposals 1,121 1,796 4,630 Equity investment in limited partnerships -- (262) (3,150) Restricted investments (145) (192) (191) -------- -------- -------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (16,020) (13,771) (11,447) -------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Increase in note payable 742 -- -- Proceeds from long-term debt 41,505 13,192 7,003 Payments of long-term debt (4,823) (22,281) (4,031) Common stock issued 1,003 49,717 701 Treasury stock issued 130 1,728 -- Treasury stock acquired (48,512) (20,111) (7,468) -------- -------- -------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (9,955) 22,245 (3,795) -------- -------- -------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (24,922) 13,697 (5,025) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year 25,609 11,912 16,937 -------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year $ 687 $ 25,609 $ 11,912 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. 23

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity For the Years Ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock --------------------------------------- Issued Treasury ------------------ ----------------- Paid-In Retained Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Earnings ------ -------- ------ -------- ------- -------- (In Thousands) BALANCE, January 31, 1998 9,688 $ 97 1,955 $16,386 $ 57,896 $ 64,175 Net income -- -- -- -- -- 11,195 Treasury stock acquired -- -- 632 7,468 -- -- Common stock issued 79 1 -- -- 700 -- --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, January 31, 1999 9,767 98 2,587 23,854 58,596 75,370 Net income -- -- -- -- -- 18,293 Treasury stock acquired -- -- 1,351 20,111 -- -- Common stock issued 1,728 17 (512) (4,721) 46,707 -- --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, January 31, 2000 11,495 115 3,426 39,244 105,303 93,663 Net income -- -- -- -- -- 18,736 Treasury stock acquired -- -- 2,653 48,512 -- -- Common stock issued 61 1 (11) (130) 1,002 -- --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, January 31, 2001 11,556 $116 6,068 $87,626 $106,305 $112,399 ================================================================ The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. 24

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies- (a) Principles of Consolidation--The accompanying financial statements consolidate the operating results and financial position of REX Stores Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company operates 262 retail consumer electronics and appliance stores under the REX name in 37 states. (b) Fiscal Year--All references in these financial statements to a particular fiscal year are to the Company's fiscal year ended January 31. For example, "fiscal 2000" means the period February 1, 2000 to January 31, 2001. (c) Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (d) Cash Equivalents--Cash equivalents are principally short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount of cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value. (e) Merchandise Inventory--Substantially all inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or market, which approximates cost on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, including certain costs associated with purchasing, warehousing and transporting merchandise. The inventory of an acquired subsidiary, Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc. (K&C), is valued at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Following the lower of cost or market principle, the K&C inventory value using the LIFO method ($39,018,000 and $34,096,000 at January 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively) is equivalent to the FIFO value in all years presented. Nine suppliers accounted for approximately 72% of the Company's purchases in fiscal 2000. (f) Property and Equipment--Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 12 years for fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over 10 to 12 years. The components of property and equipment at January 31, 2001 and 2000 are as follows: 2001 2000 -------- -------- (In thousands) Land $ 36,866 $ 30,588 Buildings and improvements 93,582 77,645 Fixtures and equipment 19,716 17,213 Leasehold improvements 11,362 10,378 -------- ------- 161,526 135,824 Less: accumulated depreciation (25,883) (22,022) -------- ------- $135,643 $113,802 ======== ======== 25

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In accordance with SFAS No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of", the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, based on an analysis of undiscounted future expected cash flows from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. There were no material impairment losses incurred in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. (g) Restricted Investments-- Restricted investments, which are principally marketable securities, are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market. The carrying amount of restricted investments approximates fair value. Restricted investments at January 31, 2001 and 2000 are restricted by two states to cover possible future claims under product service contracts. (h) Revenue Recognition--The Company recognizes sales of products upon receipt by the customer. The Company will honor returns from customers within seven days from the date of sale. The Company establishes liabilities for estimated returns at the point of sale. The Company also sells product service contracts covering periods beyond the normal manufacturers' warranty periods, usually with terms of coverage (including manufacturers' warranty periods) of between 12 to 60 months. Contract revenues, net of sales commissions, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contracts after the expiration of applicable manufacturers' warranty periods. The Company retains the obligation to perform warranty services and such costs are charged to operations as incurred. (i) Interest Cost--Interest expense of $8,121,000, $5,136,000 and $6,448,000 for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, is net of approximately $469,000, $310,000 and $238,000 of interest capitalized related to store construction. Total interest expense approximates interest paid for all years presented. (j) Deferred Financing Costs--Direct expenses and fees associated with obtaining notes payable or long-term mortgage debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the loan. (k) Advertising Costs--Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $35,281,600, $31,914,000 and $30,468,000 for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. (l) Store Opening and Closing Costs--Store opening costs are expensed as incurred. The costs associated with closing stores are accrued when the decision is made to close a location. Store closing costs incurred in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 were not material. 26

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Investments In Limited Partnerships- During fiscal 1998, the Company invested $3,150,000 in two limited partnerships which produce synthetic fuels. The Company currently holds an 8% ownership in one partnership and an 18.75% ownership in the other, which are accounted for under the equity method. The limited partnerships also earn Federal income tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code based upon the quantity and content of synthetic fuel production. The Company accounts for its share of the income tax credits as a reduction of the income tax provision in the period earned and such credits totaled approximately $9,900,000 and $3,800,000 in fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively (see Note 9). Effective February 1, 1999, the Company sold a 13% interest in one of the limited partnerships reducing its initial 30% ownership interest to 17%. The Company expects to receive cash payments from the sale on a quarterly basis through December 31, 2007. These payments are contingent upon and equal to 75% of the Federal income tax credits attributable to the 13% interest sold and are subject to certain annual limitations, as specified in the sale agreement. The maximum amount that could be received for calendar years 2000 and 1999 was approximately $6,800,000 and $6,700,000, respectively, of which the Company earned and received approximately $6,800,000 and $5,100,000, respectively. The maximum that can be received for calendar 2001 is approximately $7,100,000. Effective July 31, 2000, the Company sold an additional portion of its interest in the one partnership, reducing its ownership percentage from 17% to 8%. The Company expects to receive cash payments from the sale on a quarterly basis through December 31, 2007. These payments are contingent upon and equal to the greater of 82.5% of the federal income tax credits attributable to the 9% interest sold, subject to annual limitations or 74.25% of the federal income tax credits attributable to the 9% interest sold with no annual limitations. For fiscal 2000 the Company recorded income of $1,600,000 for the down payment on the sale and $2,700,000 for the quarterly installment payments as income of limited partnerships. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $300,000, $2,100,000 and $1,300,000 in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 to reflect the Company's share of the partnerships' losses. We are a limited partner in each partnership. We account for our ownership interest in the partnerships under the equity method. The limited partnerships have received favorable private letter rulings from the IRS that the synthetic fuel produced by their facilities and sold to unrelated parties qualify for the tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code. (3) Net Income Per Share- The Company reports net income per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 "Earnings per Share." Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of 27

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- shares outstanding during the year. Common share equivalents for each year include the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, less the shares that could be purchased with the proceeds from the exercise of the options, based on the average trading price of the Company's common stock for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998. The following table reconciles the basic and diluted net income per share computations for each year presented: January 31, 2001 ------------------------------------- Income Shares Per Share ----------- --------- --------- Basic net income per share $18,736 6,285 $2.98 Effect of stock options -- 599 ========= ----------- --------- Diluted net income per share $18,736 6,884 $2.72 =========== ========= ========= January 31, 2000 ------------------------------------- Income Shares Per Share ----------- --------- --------- Basic net income per share $18,293 8,022 $2.28 Effect of stock options -- 875 ========= ----------- --------- Diluted net income per share $18,293 8,897 $2.06 =========== ========= ========= January 31, 1999 ------------------------------------- Income Shares Per Share ----------- --------- --------- Basic net income per share $11,195 7,427 $1.51 Effect of stock options -- 406 ========= ----------- --------- Diluted net income per share $11,195 7,833 $1.43 =========== ========= ========= For the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, a total of 220,000, 0 and 1,164,000 shares, respectively, subject to outstanding options were not included in the common equivalent shares outstanding calculation as the exercise prices were above the average trading price of the Company's common stock for those periods. (4) Common Stock Transactions- In October 1999, the Company completed the sale of 1,500,000 shares of common stock and received net proceeds of approximately $44.7 million, net of expenses. During the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company purchased 2,653,000, 1,351,000 and 632,000 shares of its common stock for $48,512,000, $20,111,000 and $7,468,000, respectively. At January 31, 2001, the Company was authorized by its Board of Directors to purchase an additional 705,000 shares of its common stock. Subsequent to January 31, 2001, the Company purchased an additional 389,900 shares for $7.2 million. 28

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Revolving Line Of Credit- The revolving credit agreement is with six banks which expires on July 31, 2005. Under the terms of the agreement, available revolving credit borrowings are equal to the lesser of: (i) $100 million for the months of January through June and $130 million for the months of July through December or (ii) the sum of specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventories, as defined. Borrowings available are reduced by any letter of credit commitments outstanding. The Company had outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement of $742,000 at January 31, 2001. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement at January 31, 2000. At January 31, 2001, a total of approximately $91.2 million was available for borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. The interest rate charged on borrowings is prime or LIBOR plus 1.875% and commitment fees of 1/4% are payable on the unused portion. Borrowings are secured by certain fixed assets, accounts receivable and inventories. The revolving credit agreement contains restrictive covenants which require the Company to maintain specified levels of consolidated tangible net worth and limit capital expenditures and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. The revolving credit agreement also places restrictions on the amount of common stock repurchases and the payment of dividends. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of January 31, 2001. (6) Long-Term Mortgage Debt- Long-term mortgage debt consists of notes payable secured by certain land, buildings and leasehold improvements. Interest rates range from 6.89% to 9.25%. Principal and interest are payable monthly over terms which generally range from 10 to 15 years. Substantially all of the notes payable require balloon payments at the end of the scheduled term. Maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending January 31, Amount ------------ ---------- 2002 $ 4,923 2003 5,312 2004 6,454 2005 9,622 2006 10,060 Thereafter 49,814 ---------- $86,185 ========== A portion of the proceeds from the October 1999 stock offering were used to extinguish approximately $18,900,000 of higher interest rate mortgage debt (see Note 4). As a result of the early extinguishment of mortgage debt, the Company paid prepayment penalties of approximately $643,000 and expensed 29

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- unamortized financing costs of approximately $313,000. The Company recorded an extraordinary loss of $717,000, net of an income tax effect of $239,000 for fiscal 1999. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt at January 31, 2001 and 2000 was approximately $83.1 and $48.5 million, respectively. The fair value was estimated based on rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities. (7) Employee Benefits- Stock Option Plans--The Company maintains the REX Stores Corporation 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan and the REX Stores Corporation 1999 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the Omnibus Plans). Under the Omnibus Plans, the Company may grant to officers and key employees awards in the form of incentive stock options (1995 Plan only), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and cash incentive awards. The Omnibus Plans also provides for yearly grants of non-qualified stock options to directors who are not employees of the Company. The exercise price of each option must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. A maximum of 2,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under each of the Omnibus Plans. On January 31, 2001, 42,205 and 1,589,166 shares remain available for issuance under the 1995 and 1999 Plans, respectively. On October 14, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a grant of non-qualified stock options to two key executives for 650,000 shares at an exercise price of $9.94, which represented the market price on the date of grant. These options vest over a three-year period with the first one-third vested as of December 31, 2000. All of these options remained outstanding at January 31, 2001. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", under which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined at fair value consistent with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", the Company's net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999: 2001 2000 1999 ------- ------- -------- Net income (000's): As reported $18,736 $18,293 $ 11,195 Pro forma 16,627 16,428 9,370 Basic net income per share: As reported $ 2.98 $ 2.28 $ 1.51 Pro forma 2.65 2.05 1.26 Diluted net income per share: As reported $ 2.72 $ 2.06 $ 1.43 Pro forma 2.42 $ 1.99 1.25 The fair values of options granted were estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in fiscal years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 6.2%, 5.4% and 5.7%; expected 30

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- volatility of 60.3%, 55.6% and 39.2%, and a weighted average stock option life of 9 years for all years. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the fair value method of accounting was not applied to options granted prior to February 1, 1995 in estimating the pro forma amounts. Therefore, the pro forma effect on net income and net income per share may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. The following summarizes stock option activity for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999: 2001 2000 1999 --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Shares Exercise Shares Exercise Shares Exercise (000's) Price (000's) Price (000's) Price --------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- Outstanding at beginning of year 2,650 $12.65 3,195 $10.98 2,288 $11.06 Granted 217 22.72 212 12.20 997 10.54 Exercised (73) 10.65 (740) 5.28 (79) 7.54 Canceled or expired (28) 15.51 (17) 12.88 (11) 13.18 --------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- Outstanding at end of year 2,766 $13.47 2,650 $12.65 3,195 $10.98 ========= ========== ========= ========== ========= ========== Exercisable at end of year 1,696 $13.73 1,278 $14.84 1,639 $11.10 ========= ========== ========= ========== ========= ========== Weighted average fair value of options granted $8.26 $7.30 $6.46 ========= ========= ========= Price ranges and other information for stock options outstanding as of January 31, 2001 were as follows: Outstanding Exercisable ---------------------------------- ------------------------ Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Range of Shares Exercise Remaining Shares Exercise Exercise Prices (000's) Price Life (000's) Price - ---------------- --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $8.13 to $11.50 1,420 $10.33 6.9 yrs. 588 $ 10.08 $12.50 to $18.13 1,126 15.62 3.6 yrs. 1,105 15.65 $21.41 to $22.81 220 22.72 9.1 yrs. 3 22.69 --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2,766 $13.47 5.7 yrs. 1,696 $13.73 ========= ======== ========== ========== ========== Profit Sharing Plan--The Company has a qualified, noncontributory profit sharing plan covering full-time employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Plan also allows for additional 401(k) savings contributions by participants, along with certain Company matching contributions. Aggregate contributions to the Plan are determined annually by the Board of Directors and are not to exceed 15% of total compensation paid to all participants during such year. The Company contributed approximately $45,000, $36,000 and $36,000 for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, under the Plan. 31

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (8) Leases And Commitments- The Company is committed under operating leases for certain warehouse and retail store locations. The lease agreements are for varying terms through 2011 and contain renewal options for additional periods. Real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs are generally paid by the Company. Contingent rentals based on sales volume are not significant. Certain leases contain scheduled rent increases and rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. On August 30, 1989, the Company completed a transaction for the sale and leaseback of certain stores and warehouse facilities under an initial 15-year lease term. This transaction resulted in a pre-tax financial statement gain of $15,600,000, which was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction to lease expense over the term of the leases. The unamortized deferred gain at January 31, 2001 was $3,000,000. During the year ended January 31, 1999, the Company purchased three store locations that were leased pursuant to the sale/leaseback. For financial statement purposes, the purchase of these three stores resulted in approximately $660,000 of the deferred gain associated with the sale/leaseback being recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of properties purchased. The following is a summary of rent expense under operating leases (in thousands): Years ended Minimum Gain Sublease January 31, Rentals Amortization Income Total ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- --------- 2001 $11,239 $(824) $(2,623) $7,792 2000 10,679 (824) (2,444) 7,411 1999 9,729 (943) (1,854) 6,932 Future minimum annual rentals and gain amortization on non-cancellable leases as of January 31, 2001 are as follows (in thousands): Minimum Gain Years ended January 31, Rentals Amortization --------------------------- ----------- ---------------- 2002 $ 9,291 $ 824 2003 7,886 824 2004 6,988 824 2005 4,180 480 2006 1,475 - Thereafter 287 - ----------- ---------------- $30,107 $2,952 =========== ================ 32

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (9) Income Taxes- The provision for income taxes for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 consists of the following (in thousands): Years Ended January 31, ------------------------------------ 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Federal: Current $4,935 $6,114 $3,304 Deferred 45 (887) (217) ---------- ---------- ---------- 4,980 5,227 3,087 ---------- ---------- ---------- State and Local: Current 2,189 1,006 836 Deferred (924) 117 80 ---------- ---------- ---------- 1,265 1,123 916 ---------- ---------- ---------- $6,245 $6,350 $4,003 ========== ========== ========== The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: January 31, --------------------------- 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ Assets: Deferral of service contract income $ 9,739 $ 9,666 Sale and leaseback deferred gain 1,034 1,322 Accrued liabilities 2,087 3,037 Inventory accounting 2,003 1,280 AMT credit carryforward 9,900 3,842 Valuation allowance (6,100) -- Other items 1,504 573 ------------ ------------ 20,167 19,720 Liabilities: Depreciation (807) (1,048) ------------ ------------ Total net future income tax benefit $19,360 $18,672 ============ ============ For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company was subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) rules due to the Section 29 tax credits generated from the limited partnerships (see Note 2). The Company's AMT liability was approximately $6,100,000 for the year ended January 31, 2001 and $3,800,000 for the year ended January 31, 2000. The AMT liability in excess of the regular tax liability results in AMT credit carryforwards which can be used to offset future regular income tax, subject to certain limitations. Therefore, for financial statements purposes, the required AMT payment has been recorded as an AMT credit carryforward with a valuation allowance of $6,100,000. The AMT credit carryforwards have no expiration date. 33

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended January 31, 2001 and 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company paid income taxes of $9,395,000, $3,235,000 and $5,633,000 in the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The effective income tax rate on consolidated pre-tax income differs from the Federal income tax statutory rate as follows: Years Ended January 31, --------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 -------- -------- -------- Federal income tax at statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Tax credits from investment in limited partnership (15.0) (15.0) (13.2) State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.3 2.9 3.9 Other 1.7 2.1 0.6 -------- -------- -------- 25.0% 25.0% 26.3% ======== ======== ======== (10) Contingencies- The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. After taking into consideration legal counsels' evaluation of such actions, management is of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 34

Report of Independent Public Accountants To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of REX Stores Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of REX Stores Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 31, 2001. These consolidated financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of REX Stores Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed under Part IV, Item 14(a)(2) is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Cincinnati, Ohio, /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP March 22, 2001 35

REX Stores Corporation and Subsidiaries Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the Years Ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands) Additions Deductions ----------- ----------------- Balance Charges for Which Beginning Charged Cost Reserves Were Balance End of Year and Expenses Created of Year ----------- ------------ ---------------- ---------- 2001 Allowance for doubtful accounts $483 $404 $477 $410 ==== ==== ==== ==== 2000 Allowance for doubtful accounts $430 $500 $447 $483 ==== ==== ==== ==== 1999 Allowance for doubtful accounts $428 $300 $298 $430 ==== ==== ==== ==== 36

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 4, 2001, except for certain information concerning our executive officers which is set forth in Part I of this report. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information required by this Item 11 is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 4, 2001 and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The information required by this Item 12 is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 4, 2001 and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The information required by this Item 13 is set forth in the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 4, 2001 and is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K (a)(1) Financial Statements. The following consolidated financial statements of REX Stores Corporation and subsidiaries are incorporated by reference as part of this report at Item 8 hereof. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2001 and 2000 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended January 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Public Accountants (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules The following financial statement schedule is incorporated by reference as part of this report at Item 8 hereof. 37

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. (a)(3) Exhibits. See Exhibit Index at page 40 of this report. Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements filed as exhibits to this report are identified by an asterisk in the exhibit index. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended January 31, 2001. 38

SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. REX STORES CORPORATION By /s/ Stuart Rose ---------------------------- Stuart Rose Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Date: April 17, 2001 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Capacity Date - --------- -------- ---- /s/ Stuart Rose - ------------------------------------ Chairman of the Board ) Stuart Rose and Chief Executive ) Officer (principal ) executive officer) ) ) /s/ Douglas Bruggeman ) - ------------------------------------ Vice President-Finance ) Douglas Bruggeman and Treasurer (principal ) financial and accounting ) officer) ) ) LAWRENCE TOMCHIN* President, Chief Operating ) - ------------------------------------ Officer and Director ) Lawrence Tomchin ) April 17, 2001 /s/ Edward Kress ) - ------------------------------------ Secretary and Director ) Edward Kress ) ) ROBERT DAVIDOFF* Director ) - ------------------------------------ ) Robert Davidoff ) ) LEE FISHER* ) - ------------------------------------ Director ) Lee Fisher ) ) *By /s/ Stuart Rose ) --------------------------------- ) (Stuart Rose, Attorney-in-Fact) ) 39

EXHIBIT INDEX Page ---- (3) Articles of incorporation and by-laws: 3(a) Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 1994, File No. 0-13283) 3(b)(1) By-Laws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Registration Statement No. 2-95738, Exhibit 3(b), filed February 8, 1985) 3(b)(2) Amendment to By-Laws adopted June 29, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1987, File No. 0-13283) (4) Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures: 4(a) Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 among Rex Radio and Television, Inc., Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc., Stereo Town, Inc. and Rex Kansas, Inc. (the "Borrowers"), the lenders named therein, and NatWest Bank N.A. as agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(b) Form of Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(c) Guaranty of registrant dated July 31, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(d) Borrowers Pledge Agreement as amended and restated through July 31, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(e) Borrowers General Security Agreement as amended and restated through July 31, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(f) Parent Pledge Agreement as amended and restated through July 31, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(g) Parent General Security Agreement as amended and restated through July 31, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended July 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 4(h) Amendment Agreement dated April 1, 1997 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 and to Guaranty of registrant dated July 31, 1995 among the Borrowers, the registrant, the lenders named therein and Fleet Bank, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.) as agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended April 30, 1997, File No. 0-13283) 40

4(i) Amendment No. 2 dated October 19, 1999 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 among the Borrowers, the registrant, the lenders named therein and Fleet Bank, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.) as agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1999, File No. 0-13283) 4(j) Amendment No. 3 dated January 11, 2000 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 among the Borrowers, the registrant, the lenders named therein and Fleet Bank, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.) as agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 2000, File No. 0-13283) 4(k) Amendment No. 4 dated March 10, 2000 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 among the Borrowers, the registrant, the lenders named therein and Fleet Bank, N.A. (as successor to Natwest Bank N.A.) as agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(k) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 2000, File No. 0-13283) 4(l) Amendment No. 5 dated December 31, 2000 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 among the Borrowers, the registrant, the lenders named therein and Fleet Bank, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.) as agent......................... 4(m) Amendment No. 6 dated April 16, 2001 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated July 31, 1995 among the Borrowers, the registrant, the lenders named therein and Fleet Bank, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.) as agent......................... Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the registrant has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K certain instruments with respect to long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The registrant agrees to furnish a copy of such instruments to the Commission upon request. (10) Material contracts: 10(a)* Employment Agreement dated October 14, 1998 between Rex Radio and Television, Inc. and Stuart Rose (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1998, File No. 0-13283) 10(b)* Employment Agreement dated October 14, 1998 between Rex Radio and Television, Inc. and Lawrence Tomchin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1998, File No. 0-13283) 10(c)* Executive Stock Option dated October 14, 1998 granting Stuart Rose an option to purchase 500,000 shares of registrant's Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1998, File No. 0-13283) 10(d)* Executive Stock Option dated October 14, 1998 granting Lawrence Tomchin an option to purchase 150,000 shares of registrant's Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1998, File No. 0-13283) 41

10(e)* Subscription Agreement dated December 1, 1989 from Stuart Rose to purchase 300,000 shares of registrant's Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.5 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1989, File No. 0-13283) 10(f)* Subscription Agreement dated December 1, 1989 from Lawrence Tomchin to purchase 140,308 shares of registrant's Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.6 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended October 31, 1989, File No. 0-13283) 10(g)* 1984 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended effective February 6, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 1992, File No. 0-13283) 10(h)* 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective June 2, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-81706) 10(i)* 1999 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended April 30, 2000, File No. 0-13283) 10(j) Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") dated March 8, 1989 between registrant as Guarantor, four of its subsidiaries (Rex Radio and Television, Inc., Stereo Town, Inc., Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc., and Rex Radio Warehouse Corporation) as Sellers and Holman/Shidler Investment Corporation as Buyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(5)(1) to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13E-4 filed March 15, 1989, File No. 5-35828) The Table of Contents to the Agreement lists Exhibits A through P to the Agreement. Each of the following listed Exhibits to the Agreement is incorporated herein by reference as indicated below. The registrant will, upon request of the Commission, provide any of the additional Exhibits to the Agreement. 10(k) Form of Full Term Lease (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(5)(2) to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13E-4 filed March 15, 1989, File No. 5-35828) 10(l) Form of Divisible Lease (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(5)(3) to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13E-4 filed March 15, 1989, File No. 5-35828) 10(m) Form of Terminable Lease (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(5)(4) to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13E-4 filed March 15, 1989, File No. 5-35828) 10(n) Continuing Lease Guaranty (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(5)(5) to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13E-4 filed March 15, 1989, File No. 5-35828) 10(o) Agreement Regarding Leases and Amending Amended and Restated Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement dated May 17, 1990 among Shidler/West Finance Partners I (Limited Partnership); Rex Radio and Television, Inc., Stereo Town, Inc., Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc. and Rex Radio Warehouse Corporation; and registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(10) to Form 10-Q for quarter ended April 30, 1990, File No. 0-13283) 10(p) Lease dated December 12, 1994 between Stuart Rose/Beavercreek, Inc. and Rex Radio and Television, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, File No. 0-13283) 42

(21) Subsidiaries of the registrant: 21(a) Subsidiaries of registrant ...................................... (23) Consents of experts and counsel: 23(a) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to use its report dated March 22, 2001 included in this annual report on Form 10-K into registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 33-3836, 33-81706, 33-62645, 333-69081, 333-69089 and 333-35118) ...................................................... (24) Power of attorney: Powers of attorney of each person whose name is signed to this report on Form 10-K pursuant to a power of attorney ............. (99) Additional exhibits: Risk Factors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 2000, File No. 0-13283) Copies of the Exhibits not contained herein may be obtained by writing to Edward M. Kress, Secretary, REX Stores Corporation, 2875 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414. - ------------ Those exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) above are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements for directors or executive officers of the registrant. 43 STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES The checkmark shall be expressed as........................................'ch'

AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT AND TO OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AMENDMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of December 31, 2000, to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1995 (as same has been or may be further amended, supplemented, modified or restated in accordance with its terms, the "Loan Agreement") among REX RADIO AND TELEVISION, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Rex Radio"), KELLY & COHEN APPLIANCES, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Kelly"), STEREO TOWN, INC., a Georgia corporation ("Stereo Town"), REX KANSAS, INC., a Kansas corporation ("Rex Kansas"), REX ALABAMA, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Rex Alabama"), REXSTORES.COM, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Rex Internet"), those financial institutions named as lenders on Schedule 2.01 thereto (the "Lenders") and FLEET BANK, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.), in its capacity as agent (the "Agent") for itself and the Lenders. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings attributed to them in the Loan Agreement. SECTION I. AMENDMENTS TO LOAN AGREEMENT 1. Section 1.01 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of October 1, 2000, by adding the following defined term in the correct alphabetical order: " 'AVA Dividend' shall mean, collectively, the dividend declared by (i) Kelly to AVA on October 1, 2000, in the amount of $17,300,000 in the form of a note payable and (ii) Rex Radio to AVA on October 1, 2000, in the amount of $21,400,000 in the form of a note payable, which notes shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and pledged by AVA to the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders." 2. Section 9.02 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of October 1, 2000, by (a) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (iv) thereof, (b) deleting the period at the end of clause (v) and substituting "; and" therefor and (c) adding a new clause (vi) which reads as follows: "(vi) the AVA Dividend." 3. Section 9.05 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of October 1, 2000, by adding the following immediately after the words "except that" in line 14 thereof: "(a) Kelly and Rex Radio may declare and pay (in the form of notes payable) the AVA Dividend and (b)"

4. Section 9.06 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended, effective as of October 1, 2000 with respect to clauses (xi) and (xiii) and effective as of May 31, 2000 with respect to clause (xii), by (a) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (ix) thereof, (b) deleting the period at the end of clause (x) and substituting ";" therefor and (c) adding new clauses (xi) through (xiii) which read as follows: "(xi) the AVA Dividend; (xii) the contributions and distributions of stock made pursuant to the Plan and Agreement of Reorganization made and entered into as of the 31st day of May, 2000, among the Parent, Kelly, Stereo Town, Rex Radio, Rex Louisiana, Inc. and AVA; and (xiii) the distribution of stock made pursuant to the Plan and Agreement of Reorganization dated October 1, 2000 among the Parent, AVA and Stereo Town." 5. Article IX of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new Section 9.16 which reads as follows: "SECTION 9.16. Prepayment. Directly or indirectly prepay, acquire, redeem or retire (other than at the stated maturity thereof) any Indebtedness, except the prepayment of the Obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement." SECTION II. AMENDMENTS TO BORROWERS PLEDGE AGREEMENT 1. Following the inclusion of the stock of AVA in the Pledged Securities under the Parent Pledge Agreement pursuant to Section III hereof, the stock of AVA shall be removed from the terms "Pledged Securities" and "Initial Pledged Securities", wherever such terms may appear in the Borrowers Pledge Agreement. 2. Wherever it may occur in the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, the term "Pledged Securities" shall be deemed to include the stock of Rex Louisiana, Inc. ("Rex Louisiana"). Kelly, by its execution and delivery of this Amendment Agreement, (i) hereby, and pursuant to the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, grants a security interest in such stock to secure all Obligations and (ii) confirms that such stock shall be subject to the terms and provisions of the Borrowers Pledge Agreement. 3. Schedule A to the Borrowers Pledge Agreement is hereby amended by deleting such schedule in its entirety and substituting, in lieu thereof, Schedule A attached hereto as Annex A. 2

SECTION III. AMENDMENTS TO PARENT PLEDGE AGREEMENT 1. Following the pledge of the stock of Rex Radio and Kelly pursuant to the Pledge Agreement executed by AVA (the "AVA Pledge Agreement") in favor of the Agent and the inclusion of the stock of Rex Louisiana in the Pledged Securities under the Borrowers Pledge Agreement pursuant to Section II hereof, the stock of Rex Radio, Kelly and Rex Louisiana shall be removed from the terms "Pledged Securities" and "Initial Pledged Securities", wherever such terms may appear in the Parent Pledge Agreement. 2. Wherever it may occur in the Parent Pledge Agreement, the term "Pledged Securities" shall be deemed to include the stock of AVA. Rex Stores, by its execution and delivery of this Amendment Agreement, (i) hereby, and pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement, grants a security interest in such stock to secure all Obligations and (ii) confirms that such stock shall be subject to the terms and provisions of the Parent Pledge Agreement. 3. Section 3 of the Parent Pledge Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (j) thereof, (b) deleting the period at the end of clause (k) and substituting "; and" therefor and (c) adding a new clause (l) which reads as follows: "(l) without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, Pledgor will not own or operate any assets or properties or engage in any business or other activity whatsoever (including, without limitation, the incurring of Indebtedness or the granting of Liens), except for its ownership of the Pledged Securities and activities directly in connection therewith and except as may be otherwise specifically permitted by the other Loan Documents." 4. Schedule A to the Parent Pledge Agreement is hereby amended by deleting such schedule in its entirety and substituting, in lieu thereof, Schedule A attached hereto as Annex B. SECTION IV. AMENDMENTS TO AVA AND REX INVESTMENT GUARANTY 1. The Guaranty, dated January 11, 2000, made by Rex Investment and AVA in favor of the Agent is hereby amended by adding a new Section 16 which reads as follows: "16. Each Guarantor covenants to the Agent that without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, it will not own or operate any assets or properties or engage in any business or other activity (including, without limitation, the incurring of Indebtedness or the granting of Liens), except as such Guarantor owns, operates or engages in on the date hereof, and except as otherwise may be specifically permitted by the other Loan Documents." 3

SECTION V. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT This Amendment Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery of counterparts hereof by the Borrowers, the Parent, the Agent and the Required Lenders and the fulfillment of the following conditions: 1. No unwaived event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default. 2. All representations and warranties made by the Borrowers and the Parent in this Amendment Agreement shall be true and correct. 3. All required corporate actions in connection with the execution and delivery of this Amendment Agreement shall have been taken, and each shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, and the Agent shall have received all information and copies of all documents, including, without limitation, records of requisite corporate action that the Agent may reasonably request, to be certified by the appropriate corporate person or government authorities. 4. The Agent shall have received the AVA Pledge Agreement. 5. The Agent shall have received the certificates evidencing the shares of stock of Rex Louisiana being pledged pursuant to the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, together with undated stock powers executed in blank, each duly executed by the appropriate Person. 6. The Agent shall have received the certificates evidencing the shares of stock of Rex Radio and Kelly being pledged pursuant to the AVA Pledge Agreement, together with undated stock powers executed in blank, each duly executed by the appropriate Person. 7. The Agent shall have received the dividend notes being pledged pursuant to the AVA Pledge Agreement duly endorsed. 8. The Agent shall have received executed copies of the (i) Plan and Agreement of Reorganization, dated as of May 31, 2000, among the Parent, Kelly, Stereo Town, Rex Radio, Rex Louisiana and AVA and (ii) Plan and Agreement of Reorganization dated October 1, 2000 among the Parent, AVA and Stereo Town. 9. The Agent shall have received an opinion of Borrowers' counsel as to such matters as the Agent may require, such opinion to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent. 10. The Agent shall have received such other documents as the Lenders or the Agent or the Agent's counsel shall reasonably deem necessary. 4

SECTION VI. MISCELLANEOUS 1. By its signature below, each of the Borrowers reaffirms and restates the representations and warranties set forth in Article VII of the Loan Agreement, and all such representations and warranties are true and correct on the date hereof with the same force and effect as if made on such date (except to the extent that they relate expressly to an earlier date). The Parent reaffirms and restates the representations and warranties set forth in Section 14 of the Parent Guaranty, and all such representations and warranties are true and correct on the date hereof with the same force and effect as if made on such date (except to the extent that they relate expressly to an earlier date). In addition, each of the Borrowers and the Parent represents and warrants (which representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery hereof) to the Agent and the Lenders that: (a) it has the power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Amendment Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and has taken or caused to be taken all necessary actions to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) no consent of any other Person (including, without limitation, shareholders or creditors of the Borrowers or the Parent) and no action of, or filing with any governmental or public body or authority is required to authorize, or is otherwise required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment Agreement, or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (c) this Amendment Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Borrowers and the Parent and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of the Borrowers and the Parent enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforceability to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity; (d) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment Agreement will not violate any law, statute or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality, or conflict with, or result in the breach of, or constitute a default under any contractual obligation of any Borrower or the Parent; and (e) as of the date hereof (after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Amendment Agreement) there exists no Default or Event of Default. 5

By its signature below, each of the Borrowers and the Parent agree that it shall constitute an Event of Default if any representation or warranty made above should be false or misleading in any material respect. 2. Each of the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers Pledge Agreement and the Parent Pledge Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects and, except as expressly amended or waived hereby, all of the representations, warranties, terms, covenants and conditions of the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers Pledge Agreement and the Parent Pledge Agreement shall remain unamended, unwaived and in effect in accordance with their respective terms. The amendments and waivers set forth herein shall be limited precisely as provided for herein and shall not be deemed to be amendments or consents to, or waivers of modifications of, any term or provision of the Loan Documents or any other document or instrument referred to herein or therein or of any transaction or further or future action on the part of any Borrower or the Parent requiring the consent of the Agent or any Lender, except to the extent specifically provided for herein. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees, confirms and ratifies that Fleet Bank, N.A., as Agent is the successor in interest to NatWest Bank N.A., as Agent with respect to all Loan Documents. 3. Each Borrower and the Parent confirms in favor of the Agent and each Lender that it agrees that it has no defense, offset, claim, counterclaim or recoupment with respect to any of its obligations or liabilities under the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers Guaranty, the Parent Guaranty, the Borrowers Security Agreement, the Parent Security Agreement, the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, the Parent Pledge Agreement, the Security Agreement-Patents and Trademarks or any other Loan Document and that, except as herein provided, all terms of the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers Guaranty, the Parent Guaranty, the Borrowers Security Agreement, the Parent Security Agreement, the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, the Parent Pledge Agreement, the Security Agreement-Patents and Trademarks and the other Loan Documents shall continue in full force and effect. 4. This Amendment Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto individually or in combination, in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. 5. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart. 6

6. THIS AMENDMENT AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SAID STATE (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF). "Borrowers" REX RADIO AND TELEVISION, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary KELLY & COHEN APPLIANCES, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary STEREO TOWN, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX KANSAS, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary 7

REX ALABAMA, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REXSTORES.COM, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary "Parent" REX STORES CORPORATION By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary "Guarantors" REX RADIO AND TELEVISION, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary KELLY & COHEN APPLIANCES, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary 8

STEREO TOWN, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX KANSAS, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX ALABAMA, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REXSTORES.COM, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX STORES CORPORATION By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary 9

AVA ACQUISITION CORP. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX INVESTMENT, LLC By: ------------------------------------ Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary "Lenders" FLEET BANK, N.A., Individually By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: BANK ONE, N.A. (successor to Bank One, Dayton, N.A.) By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: KEY BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: 10

NATIONAL CITY BANK (as successor by merger to National City Bank, Dayton) By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: THE PROVIDENT BANK By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: FIRSTAR BANK, N.A. (as successor to Star Bank, N.A.) By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: "Agent" FLEET BANK, N.A., As Agent By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: 11

ANNEX A Schedule A to Borrowers Pledge Agreement Borrower Holding Shares: Rex Radio an Television, Inc. Stock Issuer Class of Stock Certificate Number Number of - ------------ -------------- ------------------ --------- Shares ------ Rex Kansas, Inc. Common 1 100 Rex Alabama, Inc. Common 1 100 Borrower Holding Shares: Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc. Stock Issuer Class of Stock Certificate Number Number of - ------------ -------------- ------------------ --------- Shares ------ Rex Louisiana, Inc. Common 2 100 12

ANNEX B Schedule A to Parent Pledge Agreement Stock Issuer Class of Stock Certificate Number Number of - ------------ -------------- ------------------ --------- Shares ------ AVA Acquisition Corp. Common 2 100 Stereo Town, Inc. Common A-6 555 rexstores.com, Inc. Common 1 100

AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT AND TO OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AMENDMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of April 16, 2001, to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1995 (as the same has been or may be further amended, supplemented, modified or restated in accordance with its terms, the "Loan Agreement") among REX RADIO AND TELEVISION, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Rex Radio"), KELLY & COHEN APPLIANCES, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Kelly"), STEREO TOWN, INC., a Georgia corporation ("Stereo Town"), REX KANSAS, INC., a Kansas corporation ("Rex Kansas"), REX ALABAMA, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Rex Alabama"), REXSTORES.COM, INC., an Ohio corporation ("Rex Internet"), those financial institutions named as lenders on Schedule 2.01 thereto (the "Lenders") and FLEET BANK, N.A. (as successor to NatWest Bank N.A.), in its capacity as agent (the "Agent") for itself and the Lenders. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings attributed to them in the Loan Agreement. SECTION I. AMENDMENTS TO LOAN AGREEMENT 1. Section 9.06 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting each reference to "$40,000,000" appearing in clause (xi) thereof and substituting "$60,000,000" therefor. SECTION II. AMENDMENT TO PARENT GUARANTY 1. Section 14 of the Parent Guaranty is hereby amended by deleting each reference to "$40,000,000" appearing in paragraph (g) thereof and substituting "$60,000,000" therefor. SECTION III. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT This Amendment Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery of counterparts hereof by the Borrowers, the Parent, the Agent and the Required Lenders and the fulfillment of the following conditions: 1. No unwaived event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default. 2. All representations and warranties made by the Borrowers and the Parent in this Amendment Agreement shall be true and correct. 3. All required corporate actions in connection with the execution and delivery of this Amendment Agreement shall have been taken, and each shall be satisfactory in

form and substance to the Agent, and the Agent shall have received all information and copies of all documents, including, without limitation, records of requisite corporate action that the Agent may reasonably request, to be certified by the appropriate corporate person or governmental authorities. SECTION IV. MISCELLANEOUS 1. By its signature below, each of the Borrowers reaffirms and restates the representations and warranties set forth in Article VII of the Loan Agreement, and all such representations and warranties are true and correct on the date hereof with the same force and effect as if made on such date (except to the extent that they relate expressly to an earlier date). The Parent reaffirms and restates the representations and warranties set forth in Section 14 of the Parent Guaranty, and all such representations and warranties are true and correct on the date hereof with the same force and effect as if made on such date (except to the extent that they relate expressly to an earlier date). In addition, each of the Borrowers and the Parent represents and warrants (which representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery hereof) to the Agent and the Lenders that: (a) it has the power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Amendment Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and has taken or caused to be taken all necessary actions to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) no consent of any other Person (including, without limitation, shareholders or creditors of the Borrowers or the Parent) and no action of, or filing with any governmental or public body or authority is required to authorize, or is otherwise required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment Agreement, or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (c) this Amendment Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Borrowers and the Parent and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of the Borrowers and the Parent enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforceability to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity; (d) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment Agreement will not violate any law, statute or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality, or conflict with, or result in the breach of, or constitute a default under any contractual obligation of any Borrower or the Parent; and (e) as of the date hereof (after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Amendment Agreement) there exists no Default or Event of Default. 2

By its signature below, each of the Borrowers and the Parent agree that it shall constitute an Event of Default if any representation or warranty made above should be false or misleading in any material respect. 2. Each of the Loan Agreement and the Parent Guaranty is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects and, except as expressly amended or waived hereby, all of the representations, warranties, terms, covenants and conditions of the Loan Agreement and the Parent Guaranty shall remain unamended, unwaived and in effect in accordance with their respective terms. The amendments and waivers set forth herein shall be limited precisely as provided for herein and shall not be deemed to be amendments or consents to, or waivers of modifications of, any term or provision of the Loan Documents or any other document or instrument referred to herein or therein or of any transaction or further or future action on the part of any Borrower or the Parent requiring the consent of the Agent or any Lender, except to the extent specifically provided for herein. 3. Each Borrower and the Parent confirms in favor of the Agent and each Lender that it agrees that it has no defense, offset, claim, counterclaim or recoupment with respect to any of its obligations or liabilities under the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers Guaranty, the Parent Guaranty, the Borrowers Security Agreement, the Parent Security Agreement, the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, the Parent Pledge Agreement, the Security Agreement-Patents and Trademarks or any other Loan Document and that, except as herein provided, all terms of the Loan Agreement, the Borrowers Guaranty, the Parent Guaranty, the Borrowers Security Agreement, the Parent Security Agreement, the Borrowers Pledge Agreement, the Parent Pledge Agreement, the Security Agreement-Patents and Trademarks and the other Loan Documents shall continue in full force and effect. 4. This Amendment Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto individually or in combination, in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. 5. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart. 6. THIS AMENDMENT AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SAID STATE (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF). 3

"Borrowers" REX RADIO AND TELEVISION, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary KELLY & COHEN APPLIANCES, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary STEREO TOWN, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX KANSAS, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX ALABAMA, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary 4

REXSTORES.COM, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary "Parent" REX STORES CORPORATION By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary "Guarantors" REX RADIO AND TELEVISION, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary KELLY & COHEN APPLIANCES, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary STEREO TOWN, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary 5

REX KANSAS, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX ALABAMA, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REXSTORES.COM, INC. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary REX STORES CORPORATION By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary AVA ACQUISITION CORP. By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary 6

REX INVESTMENT, LLC By: --------------------------------- Name: Edward M. Kress Title: Secretary "Lenders" FLEET BANK, N.A., Individually By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: BANK ONE, N.A. (successor to Bank One, Dayton, N.A.) By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: KEY BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: NATIONAL CITY BANK (as successor by merger to National City Bank, Dayton) By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: 7

THE PROVIDENT BANK By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: FIRSTAR BANK, N.A. (as successor to Star Bank, N.A.) By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: "Agent" FLEET BANK, N.A., As Agent By: --------------------------------- Name: Title: 8

EXHIBIT 21(a) SUBSIDIARIES OF REX STORES CORPORATION State of Name Incorporation ---- -------------- Rex Radio and Television, Inc.(1) Ohio Stereo Town, Inc. Georgia Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc.(1) Ohio Rex Kansas, Inc.(2) Kansas AVA Acquisition Corp.(3) Delaware Rex Louisiana, Inc.(3)(4) Ohio Rex Alabama, Inc.(2) Ohio REX Investment, LLC (5) Ohio rexstores.com, Inc. Ohio - ------------------- (1) Wholly-owned subsidiary of AVA Acquisition Corp. (2) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Rex Radio and Television, Inc. (3) Non-operating subsidiary. (4) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc. (5) Kelly & Cohen Appliances, Inc. owns a 98.032% Class A interest. AVA Acquisition Corp. owns a 95.46% Class B interest and a 100% Class C interest.

EXHIBIT 23(a) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No.33-3836, No. 33-81706, No. 33-62645, No. 333-69081, No. 333-69089 and No. 333-35118). Cincinnati, Ohio /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP April 16, 2001

EXHIBIT 24.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer, or both, of REX Stores Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby constitutes and appoints Stuart A. Rose and Edward M. Kress, or any one of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2001 and to sign any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and any one of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 2nd day of April, 2001. LAWRENCE TOMCHIN Lawrence Tomchin

EXHIBIT 24.2 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer, or both, of REX Stores Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby constitutes and appoints Stuart A. Rose and Edward M. Kress, or any one of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2001 and to sign any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and any one of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 2nd day of April, 2001. ROBERT DAVIDOFF Robert Davidoff

EXHIBIT 24.3 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer, or both, of REX Stores Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby constitutes and appoints Stuart A. Rose and Edward M. Kress, or any one of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2001 and to sign any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and any one of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument on this 2nd day of April, 2001. LEE FISHER Lee Fisher